Hello,
My name is John Green, and I have the honor of being the head coach of AIA Prep Academy. My wife Paula and I are recent transplants from North Carolina, where I have spent the last 17 years in coaching, and had the opportunity to build multiple programs over the years. This program in particular is incredibly special to me, as I know it is to the rest of the staff as well. In the fall of 2018, I was blessed with an opportunity to travel on a 3-week international trip to New Zealand with Athletes in Action. I was one of the coaches on a team of college basketball players from across the country. This trip was an incredible experience on many levels; but I never thought that road would lead me here! Over the next 2 years, Athletes in Action provided me with more opportunities to be a part of their ministry. Some of the activities that I have assisted with are International Coaches Academy, Captain’s Academy, U30 Coaches Clinic, and U18 Coaches Clinic. Early in 2020, I was contacted by the organization, asking for my assistance as they were about to embark on creating an elite post graduate program. Shortly after, I was asked to leave my current post and lead these new efforts as head coach. I jumped at the idea, and we were off!
AIA Prep is a brand new division of Athletes in Action, which is a faith centered global sports organization that serves coaches and players, with its headquarters in Xenia, Ohio. This institution will serve young men who have graduated high school, but are looking to take a “gap year” before they enter the world of collegiate athletics. Our focus will be to develop each player’s personal and spiritual being, while instilling leadership skills, and training to maximize both their academic and athletic performance at the next level. Our core values are to “Grow, Serve, Compete,” with an emphasis on humility and gratitude in all aspects of life and sport.
Our focus is on team success and player development, both on and off the floor, and our coaching staff is uniquely experienced in that realm. Joining me is Jared Miller, Assistant Coach, James Bolin, Director of Player Development, and Robert Kaiser, Director of Operations. Our state of the art Sports Performance Center staff is led by Jeff Friday and Skyy Simmons, both former NFL and NCAA strength and conditioning coaches.
Our AIA Prep team will play 30 – 35 games each season, competing against other prep academies, NAIA and junior colleges, as well as NCAA D1 and D2 JV programs. A day in the life of one of our athletes will consist of leadership and spiritual training, team and individual meetings, team practice, individual skill development, strength and speed training, and online class time. Our program is built to mirror that of the college life experience, in order to best prepare our athletes for what is in store. Both our on campus dormitories and dining facilities provide a similar framework to what they will be experiencing at the next level, and each athlete will have the opportunity to take up to 6 hours of college accredited classes per semester as well. SAT and ACT prep courses will be offered for those in need of establishing or elevating their scores, and ESL will be provided for our international students. Not only will those leaving AIA Prep be much better prepared for the rigors of the college life than most entering the space; they have the potential to leave our program with the academic standing of a 2nd semester college freshman.
Our goal is to produce well-rounded athletes who are prepared to contribute to their college campuses; on the court, in the classroom, and away from both.
Recruiting and enrollment for the inaugural 2022 – 2023 season is underway. If you or an individual you know is interested, please reach out. We would love to get to know you!
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
John Green